With one day to go before the commencement of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Michael Masiapato, has announced that operations across all designated ports of entry have remained stable and incident-free over the past 24 hours.
His announcement comes as heads of state and government, as well as high-level delegations, continue to arrive for the G20 engagements currently under way in South Africa.
Masiapato said the BMA had already facilitated the arrivals of Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Union, Antony Albanese, prime minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the president of Malaysia, the president of the European Council, António Costa, prime minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, the People's Republic of China premier Li Qiang, and Keir Starmer, prime minister of the United Kingdom.
“In the past week, under intensified operational deployments, BMA officials have successfully facilitated the arrival of delegates, government officials, and technical teams for the G20 Sherpa meeting, G20 Social Summit and the B20 Summit,” Masiapato said.
He added that despite the heightened security environment, increased traveller volumes, and the complex coordination required across multiple ports of entry, all arrivals had been processed efficiently.
“Systems across key points of entry are fully operational, supported by BMA ICT technicians deployed strategically at OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Force Base. The dedicated G20 processing counters at these facilities are fully staffed to manage the increased volumes associated with summit arrivals.
“Enhanced security measures remain firmly in place. Strict access control protocols have been implemented across all operational zones within both inner and outer perimeters,” Masiapato said.
He added that police were conducting routine security sweeps and focusing on unattended luggage and parcels in line with international security protocols at priority areas within airports.
“To reinforce operational readiness, the BMA has deployed additional personnel from its back-office functions, while regional commanders and executives are on the ground, providing leadership and oversight during the arrival period,” Masiapato said.
“High-visibility patrols and crime-prevention measures are being implemented to ensure full compliance with operational standards and to maintain proper command and control. Searches at designated screening points continue as part of the BMA’s layered security approach.”
He said BMA officials at land ports of entry designated as contingency support points for ground transport were coordinating with their regional and international counterparts.
“Patrols within all port corridors have been intensified to guarantee the free flow of traffic and prevent any potential traffic bottlenecks. The BMA remains committed to ensuring that South Africa hosts a safe, efficient and world-class G20 Summit by guaranteeing secure border operations and uninterrupted facilitation at all times,” Masiapato said.
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